CONTACTS: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378 (Connect for Health Colorado), Marc Williams, [email protected]  (Colorado Medicaid)

DENVER, CO – Between Nov. 15 and Nov. 30, 22,487 Coloradans enrolled in health care coverage for 2015, either in Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) or in private health insurance purchased through the state health insurance Marketplace, according to new data released today by Connect for Health Colorado® and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

“We are happy with these initial sign-ups during our first two weeks of open enrollment,” said Connect for Health Colorado Interim CEO Gary Drews. “However we continue to urge everyone not to procrastinate – this is an important decision. Plans have changed so you should start selecting your 2015 coverage now and avoid the last-minute rush. ”

Those who want their coverage to take effect by January have just 13 days left to sign up for private health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado.  Open enrollment ends Feb. 15, 2015, for private insurance. Enrollment for Medicaid and CHP+ is year-round.

The two-week period saw 9,782 enrollments in private coverage through Connect for Health Colorado and 12,533 in Medicaid and 172 in CHP+.

“Medicaid and CHP+ enrollments over the last few weeks show that we are still finding and enrolling low-income Coloradans into coverage,” said Susan Birch, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.  “Whether you qualify for Medicaid, CHP+ or purchase insurance through the Marketplace, gaining coverage is the first step to improving overall health and will help Colorado make progress towards becoming the healthiest state in the nation.”

About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing: The Department administers the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for low-income Coloradans who qualify. For more information about the department, please visit Colorado.gov/hcpf.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors. In 2014, the Marketplace enrolled more than 148,000 Coloradans in private insurance and helped nearly 100,000 gain access to new tax credits that made their health coverage more affordable – all while keeping fees among the lowest in the country.

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378

DENVER (Dec. 2, 2014) Connect for Health Colorado® Board Chair Sharon O’Hara today announced changes in the Board of Directors for the health insurance Marketplace.

Founding board member and former chair Gretchen Hammer, who was instrumental in the formation of Connect for Health Colorado, announced that she is stepping down from the Board of Directors. Hammer is taking a position as director of the state’s Medicaid program with the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. As executive director of the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved, Hammer has been a strong advocate for improving healthcare and coverage for children and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Long active in state health reform efforts, she was named by the governor to the Marketplace Board in 2011 and served as chair through July 2013.

“We are deeply grateful to Gretchen Hammer’s dedication to improving the health of Coloradans and commitment to finding solutions for our healthcare challenges,” O’Hara said. “Gretchen has been a leader in shaping the state health insurance Marketplace and positioning us for success in achieving our mission of improving access, choice and affordability for Coloradans in need of health insurance. We know she will continue making a difference for Coloradans in her new post.”

O’Hara also announced other changes to the board Tuesday:

David A. Padrino, an international business consultant who this year took a position in Gov. John Hickenlooper’s administration as deputy chief of staff, was appointed by the governor to an ex-officio, non-voting seat on the Connect for Health Colorado Board.

Before joining the state leadership team, Padrino worked as a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group, serving clients in the public and non-profit sectors, as well as customers in financial services, technology, pharmaceutical and consumer industries.

On the board, Padrino replaces Kevin Patterson, who has served for 19 months. Patterson left the board in November when he took on the position of interim chief of staff to the governor.

“We’re happy to welcome David to our Board,” O’Hara said. “His experience in a wide range of industries will bring a strong strategic perspective to Connect for Health Colorado as we grow the Marketplace and increase coverage in our state for individuals, families and small businesses.”

She added: “We are grateful to Kevin for the insight, time and energy he devoted to Connect for Health Colorado. We wish him all the best.”

Board member Ellen Daehnick, who served as a representative of small business since July 2013, also is leaving the board.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011.  A health insurance Marketplace built just for Colorado, it launched on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors.   The next open enrollment period for individuals and families is Nov. 15, 2014 through Feb. 15, 2015. For more information: www.connectforhealthco.com

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378

DENVER (Nov. 30 2014)  – The state health insurance Marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado®, is urging holiday shoppers to make their first online purchase “the gift of coverage” in the form of health insurance for any family members not already covered.

“We know the peace of mind that comes with knowing your personal finances are protected with health insurance — and that you can get the health care you need — is a gift that is now in reach for many more families,” said Gary Drews, Connect for Health Colorado’s chief executive. “Whether it’s adult children getting coverage for their parents’ peace of mind or young parents building the financial protection they need to back them up, a new health insurance policy will brighten any home. But it’s time to start shopping now.”

As the state health insurance Marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where buyers of health insurance can get financial assistance to help pay their monthly premium. More than 6,000 Coloradans have signed up for health insurance coverage in 2015 through the state Marketplace.
Monday, Dec. 1, is “Cyber Monday,” as the first Monday after Thanksgiving has become known, because online shopping peaks for the Christmas holiday.

Individuals and families have until Dec. 15 to lock in coverage to start Jan. 1, whether they bought health insurance in 2014 or are buying their own for the first time. Open enrollment ends Feb. 15, 2015.

“With just two weeks left to shop for January coverage we are urging anyone who doesn’t have coverage to make their first clicks Monday at Connectforhealthco.com,” Drews said. “Whether they are looking for free, in-person assistance in their community or they are ready to choose their own plan on the website, that’s the place to start on Cyber Monday. We are pleased with the enrollments we are seeing but we know there are thousands of Coloradans who have yet to make a choice.”

If you experience technical issues with your application, please do not start over or fill out multiple applications. Instead, please send your full name (as you entered it on your application), your phone number, your email address  – and if you have one, your Connect for Health Colorado account number – to our secure email: [email protected]. Do not include any additional personal information in the email.  Make sure you put the words “Requesting Enrollment Help” in the email subject line.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable.  Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors.

The current open enrollment period for individuals and families runs through Feb. 15, 2015, but you need to enroll by Dec. 15 to have coverage in effect Jan. 1, 2015.   For more information: www.connectforhealthco.com

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378

DENVER (Nov. 24, 2014)  — Connect for Health Colorado® announced Monday that 6,144 individuals and families have signed up for health insurance coverage since the current enrollment period began Saturday, November 15, which exceeds the pace of initial signups last year.

“We are very pleased that Coloradans are taking this important step in protecting their family’s health and financial security for 2015,” said interim CEO Gary Drews. “It’s vital that people don’t put this off. There isn’t much time to get your coverage in place for next year. Enrollments must be complete by December 15 to have coverage starting on January 1^st.

The 6,144 health plan enrollments and 936 enrollments in dental coverage through Saturday, November 22, 2014, compares to 204 health plan and 87 dental plan enrollments during the first eight days the state health insurance Marketplace was open in 2013.

“As pleased as we are with these initial enrollment figures, we want to urge anyone who is not provided health insurance by their employer to begin now to shop for a policy that meets their needs and their circumstances,” Drews said. “We recommend Coloradans be smart consumers and take the time to compare their options before renewing their current plan or enrolling in a new one.”

The Open Enrollment Period runs to February 15, 2015. Whether you are renewing or enrolling for the first time, you must complete enrollment by December 15, 2014, to have coverage January 1, 2015, and avoid a gap in your insurance. People who do not enroll for insurance by February 15 will not be able to get coverage in 2015 unless they have a life changing event, like a marriage or divorce.

“We know that this process can be complicated. That’s why we suggest Coloradans take advantage of free, in-person help available in every county of our state from a network of trained and certified Health Coverage Guides and Brokers,” Drews said. “These are experts who can help explain the differences in plans, benefits and costs, and help you through the financial application and enrollment process.”

There are more than 1,600 independent brokers and agents, and more than 450 Health Coverage Guides and Certified Application Counselors. To find them in your area (search by zip code) go to connectforhealthco.com/resources/person-help/

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, 303-908-2378, [email protected]

DENVER — Connect for Health Colorado has opened 13 walk-in Enrollment Centers in 11 cities across Colorado.

These “retail sites” have set up shop in Adams County, Southeast Denver/Aurora, Colorado Springs, downtown Denver, Fort Collins (2), Grand Junction (2), Greeley, Lafayette, Lakewood, Pueblo, and Wheat Ridge. Connect for Health Colorado is working with its partners and statewide Assistance Network to ensure certified brokers/agents and Health Coverage Guides are available to provide free, one-on-one assistance to customers at each walk-in location. No appointment is necessary to receive help.

“We want to make it easier to choose a health insurance plan, and one of the best ways for us to do that is to meet with customers face to face,” said Chief Marketing Officer Linda Kanamine. “Brokers, Health Coverage Guides and Connect for Health Colorado teams are working hard to reach Coloradans and assist them where they live.”

To find the location nearest you and hours of operation, visit: connectforhealthco.com/resources/person-help/

Customers will be able to renew existing policies or buy new coverage during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs through Feb. 15, 2015. Whether you are renewing or enrolling for the first time, you must complete enrollment by Dec. 15, 2014, to have coverage start on Jan. 1, 2015, and avoid a gap in your coverage.

In addition to the retail sites, there are more than 1,550 independent brokers and agents, and more than 400 Health Coverage Guides and Certified Application Counselors in Colorado trained to help people shop with Connect for Health Colorado. To find them in your area (search by zip code) go to connectforhealthco.com/resources/person-help/

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, 303-908-2378, [email protected]

Denver, Colo. — Following on the success of its Denver retail location last year, Connect for Health Colorado and its partners are opening walk-in Enrollment Centers across Colorado for 2015 Open Enrollment, including locations in Greeley, Commerce City and downtown Denver tomorrow.

“We know that shopping for insurance can be complicated and sometimes confusing, and we’re doing everything we can—whether it’s on our website or by opening additional offices to provide in-person assistance—to help our customers,” said Chief Strategy and Sales Officer Marcia Benshoof.

Walk-in sites opening tomorrow are located as follows:

• Denver: 16th Street Mall, intersection of 16th and California.
• Greeley: 2028 S. 35th Ave., Ste. B
• Commerce City: Kids First Health Care, 4675 E. 69th Ave.

 

Others will be opening next week and in the coming weeks in Southeast Denver, Colorado Springs,Lafayette, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Thornton, Longmont, Pueblo, Grand Junction and elsewhere organized by Connect for Health Colorado, certified assistance sites and certified brokers.

To find the location nearest you and hours of operation, visit: connectforhealthco.com/resources/person-help/

Certified Brokers/Agents and Health Coverage Guides will be available to provide one-on-one assistance to customers at each walk-in location.

Customers will be able to renew existing policies or purchase new coverage during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs Nov. 15, 2014 to Feb. 15, 2015. Whether you are renewing or enrolling for the first time, you must complete enrollment by Dec. 15, 2014, to have coverage start on Jan. 1, 2015, and avoid a gap in your insurance.

“We know that finding the right policy can be complicated. That’s why, in addition to the tools and information on our website, we suggest Coloradans take advantage of free, in-person help in every county of our state from a statewide network of trained and certified Health Coverage Guides and Brokers,” said Benshoof. “These are experts who can help explain the differences in plans, benefits and costs, and help you through the financial application and enrollment process.”

There are more than 1,550 independent brokers and agents, and more than 400 Health Coverage Guides and Certified Application Counselors. To find them in your area (search by zip code) go to connectforhealthco.com/help-center/

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378

DENVER (Nov. 11, 2014)  — Connect for Health Colorado® has launched an updated and improved enrollment site for individuals and families shopping for private health insurance in the upcoming Open Enrollment, which begins Saturday (November 15).

The early opening provides a Pre-Enrollment Preview for Coloradans obtaining coverage through Connect for Health Colorado, the state Health Insurance Marketplace. More than 148,000 individuals have been covered through plans purchased on the Marketplace in 2014.
This week, current and potential customers will be able compare policies offered in their area, research their eligibility for tax credits, choose coverage and begin their enrollment.

“We want to encourage consumers to comparison shop for policies that meet their needs and their own particular circumstances,” said interim CEO Gary Drews. “Monthly premiums, benefits and the financial assistance available to consumers who qualify can change each year. This year, there are some new, less expensive choices available in many regions. We are urging Coloradans to be smart consumers – and compare their options before renewing their current plan or enrolling in a new one.”

Applicants this year will find a simplified single application process to direct consumers to either completing an enrollment in private health insurance via Connect for Health Colorado or enrolling in Medicaid with the state Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, depending on the applicant’s financial situation. The two entities have been collaborating for months on making the enrollment process easier.

Other improvements to assist in the enrollment process will be rolled out during Open Enrollment. Those include:

• An avatar named “Kyla”, a virtual assistant who can help customers through some of the key steps of the enrollment process.
• A Medication Look-Up Tool, which enables customers to compare prescription coverage under various policies.
• An enhanced Provider Directory to help customers see if their doctor is in the network of the health plans they are comparing.

Customers will be able to renew existing policies or purchase new coverage during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs Nov. 15, 2014, to Feb. 15, 2015. Whether you are renewing or enrolling for the first time, you must complete enrollment by Dec. 15, 2014, to have coverage Jan. 1, 2015, and avoid a gap in your insurance.

“We know that finding the right policy can be complicated. That’s why we suggest Coloradans take advantage of free, in-person help available in every county of our state from a network of trained and certified Health Coverage Guides and Brokers,” Drews said. “These are experts who can help explain the differences in plans, benefits and costs, and help you through the financial application and enrollment process.”

There are more than 1,600 independent brokers and agents, and more than 400 Health Coverage Guides and Certified Application Counselors. To find them in your area (search by zip code) go to connectforhealthco.com/help-center/.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors. In 2014, the Marketplace enrolled more than 148,000 Coloradans in private insurance and helped nearly 100,000 gain access to new tax credits that made their health coverage more affordable – all while keeping fees among the lowest in the country.

Contact: Ben Davis, [email protected], 303-522-6790

Renewing & New Customers Must Buy 2015 Coverage between Nov. 15, 2014 – Feb. 15, 2015

DENVER (OCTOBER 28, 2014) – Competition in Colorado’s health insurance industry has triggered significant plan and price changes for individuals and families who buy private insurance through Connect for Health Colorado®.

Coloradans will have more choices in health plans for next year. And, there are less-expensive options in most areas for 2015. It is important for people to shop and compare to be sure they choose the best plan to meet their health and budget needs, whether they are renewing their coverage or are buying through the state health insurance marketplace for the first time.

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place for Coloradans to qualify for financial assistance in the form of tax credits to lower their monthly costs.  The amount of financial assistance an individual or family can qualify for is calculated based on the price of the second-lowest-cost Silver level plan in their geographic rating area, and their household income and size. This is true regardless of what level of plan they buy.

Because the cost of that Silver-level plan has dropped in almost every region of the state – so will the average financial assistance levels in 2015 for those who qualify. That means many people who stay with their current coverage will see their share of the monthly premium go up. A change in income or household size will also affect the amount of financial assistance.

We suggest that all current customers – especially current customers receiving financial assistance – shop and compare new plans and prices before deciding whether to renew their current plans. There likely are less expensive choices that meet their health and budget needs – often with their same carrier. But, it’s important that all customers understand their out-of-pocket costs; the least-expensive premiums often have high deductibles and may not result in overall savings if people seek medical care.

Open enrollment will be from November 15, 2014, to February 15, 2015. Whether you are renewing or enrolling for the first time, you must complete enrollment by December 15, 2014, to have coverage January 1, 2015, and avoid a gap in your coverage.

Shopping tips
Insurance carriers have increased the number of options available to individuals and families buying through the Marketplace. In addition to more choice for Coloradans, there are also new lower-cost options.

It is important to comparison shop – and review more than just premiums and costs. Also look at benefits and coverage changes:

• Is your doctor or hospital of choice included in the plan’s provider network? Seeing an out-of-network doctor typically is more expensive.
• Lower premium plans often mean it will cost you more to receive care. Find out if there is a deductible and how much it is, as well as the out-of-pocket maximum. Determine what you would have to pay for a doctor’s visit.
• Check the prescription coverage, especially if you need specific medications.
• If you believe you will need a procedure, such as back surgery, MRI scans or knee replacement, check how it is covered in the plans you are considering.

Help is available
Finding and understanding your options is complicated.  We suggest Coloradans take advantage of free, in-person help in every county of our state from a statewide network of trained and certified Health Coverage Guides and Brokers. These are experts who can help explain the differences in plans, benefits and costs, and help you through the financial application and enrollment process.

There are more than 1,550 independent brokers and agents, and more than 400 Health Coverage Guides and Certified Application Counselors. To find them in your area (search by zip code) go to connectforhealthco.com/help-center/

Key Dates and Deadlines for Individuals and Families

• Open Enrollment: November 15, 2014 – February 15, 2015.
  • You cannot purchase health insurance after this period unless you have a qualifying life-change event, such as marriage, divorce, having a child, losing your employer-sponsored insurance, or moving to Colorado.
• Last day to enroll for coverage beginning January 1, 2015, is December 15, 2014. You must pay your first-month’s bill by December 25.
• Last day to enroll for 2015 coverage (absent a life change event): February 15, 2015.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors.

The next open enrollment period for individuals and families is Nov. 15, 2014 through Feb. 15, 2015. For more information: connectforhealthco.com

Contact: Ben Davis, 303-522-6790

DENVER (Monday, Oct. 13) – Davis D. Fansler of Telluride joins the Connect for Health Colorado® Board of Directors today following his appointment by Gov. John Hickenlooper as a representative of small employer health insurance.

Fansler is filling the seat of Richard T. Betts of Telluride, one of the original Board members appointed by the Governor in 2011 for the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange, now called Connect for Health Colorado. Betts, founder and President of ASAP Accounting & Payroll, Inc., served as Vice Chair of the Board and then Chair of its Finance Committee. He stepped down from the Board this summer.

“We’re pleased to welcome Davis to our Board,” says Board Chair Sharon O’Hara. “His vast experience in healthcare management, finance and small business will be a great contribution to Connect for Health Colorado as we develop strategies to grow the Marketplace and increase coverage in our state for individuals, families and small businesses.”

Adds O’Hara, “We’re also so thankful to Richard for the expertise, time and energy he devoted to help establish and launch Connect for Health Colorado, particularly his contributions toward developing and implementing the plan for long-term sustainability. We wish him all the best.”

Fansler brings more than 30 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. Currently he is a Director of the Healthcare Practice with the accounting and consultancy firm Wipfli LLP, working primarily with hospitals and health systems on physician integration.  He began his career in finance serving as lending officer at First Bank Minneapolis managing a large healthcare portfolio. He then became Vice President of Healthcare Management, serving as Vice President and Regional Director for the medical group contract management division. He later co-founded and was managing partner of Partners Consulting Group, Ltd based in Minneapolis, which provided strategic business development and ambulatory care management consulting services for hospitals, health systems, and medical groups. Fansler also helped found and manage a healthcare venture capital fund, the PSF Healthcare Fund.

Fansler is a former Mayor of Mountain Village, CO, and has served on many boards and commissions.  Currently he is a board member of the Tri County Health Network and is vice-chair and head of the grants committee of the Telluride Foundation, which donates nearly $1 million a year to non-profits.  He and his wife, Barbara, have five children.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011.  A health insurance Marketplace built just for Colorado, it launched on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors.   The next open enrollment period for individuals and families is Nov. 15, 2014 through Feb. 15, 2015. For more information: www.connectforhealthco.com

Contact: Ben Davis 303-522-6790

A ruling Tuesday in Federal District Court in Muskogee, Okla., does not impact Coloradans who receive financial assistance (tax credits) to lower the cost of their health insurance purchased through Connect for Health Colorado.

The federal court decision in Oklahoma, similar to a separate ruling in U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, interprets the Affordable Care Act to say the federal government could not subsidize health insurance in those states that rely on the federal Marketplace.  A federal appeals court in Virginia in July ruled the opposite and upheld the tax credits.

These decisions have no impact on customers of Connect for Health Colorado – or in other states like Colorado that operate their own state-based health insurance Marketplaces (exchanges).

All cases were brought by states opposed to the healthcare law and challenge financial assistance (tax credits) paid to residents of the 36 states on the federal exchange. The Obama Administration is appealing the D.C. and Oklahoma decisions. The tax credits will continue while appeals are under way.

We are fortunate that Colorado’s legislature in 2011, on a bipartisan basis, opted to create a state-based Marketplace in Colorado, which now operates as Connect for Health Colorado. Our customers are not affected by the court ruling. If you receive tax credits to help lower the cost of your health insurance, there is no reason for concern about your coverage.